In an extensive interview with the Journal News Editorial Board, Senator Stewart-Cousins discussed the importance of passing the provisions of the Reproductive Health Act in New York State this year. Tracey Brooks, the President and CEO of Family Planning Advocates, also took part in the hour-long interview.

During the interview, Senator Stewart-Cousins and Ms. Brooks explained that the Reproductive Health Act brings New York’s abortion laws in line with federal laws and makes them consistent with standard medical practice. The legislation protects a woman’s right to make personal and private health care decisions and guarantees the protections of Roe vs. Wade in the State of New York. The Senator explained she has been working with Governor Cuomo to enact these provisions, and is hoping for action “sooner rather than later.”

In his State of the State address, Governor Cuomo pushed for a ten point “Women’s Equality Agenda” designed to improve women’s lives from the cradle to the grave. He has maintained that a critical component of that agenda will be to bring New York’s abortion laws in line with federal law.